Kesselhalle

jazzahead!
TRADE FAIR & FESTIVAL

Die jazzahead! ist Messe, Konferenz und Showcase-Festival - mit zeitgenössischem, hochkarätigem Jazz aus Deutschland und Europa sowie aus Übersee. Vom 24. bis 26. April 2025 trifft sich die Jazzwelt, um sich zu vernetzen, auszutauschen, Konferenzen und Panels zu besuchen und 38 Showcase-Konzerte im offiziellen Programm der jazzahead! zu erleben.

Showcases in der Kesselhalle

14-14.30: Carlos Bica 11:11 (PT)
“Like the blues, this music is not just about sadness, but the beauty of the human condition,” wrote Allaboutjazz about Carlos Bica’s album 11:11” (Clean Feed, 2024). When the Portuguese bassist plays, his inescapable essence and distinctive lyricism always shine through. His prolific and innovative work has seen him take a deserved seat at the top table of Europe’s jazz scene. Regular collaborators include saxophonist Daniel Erdmann, turntablist DJ Illvibe, guitar genius Frank Möbus and drum wizard Jim Black - the last two play in Bica’s long-standing Azul trio. His new multi-generation band is all Portuguese, with José Soares (sax), Eduardo Cardinho (vibes) and Gonçalo Neto (guitar).
Line-Up: Carlos Bica (db), José Soares (as), Eduardo Cardinho (vibes), Gonçalo Neto (g)

16.15-16.45: Ilaria Capalbo (SE/IT)
Stockholm-based bassist/composer Ilaria Capalbo’s playing has been described as “bold, visionary, architectonic,” (Lira, SE) and her writing ”lush” (NoTreble, USA). Originally from Naples, Italy, she regularly works with musicians from the classical world, pop and jazz. Following the international acclaim of her 2022 debut Karthago, her new, upcoming work is inspired by the transformative experience of new motherhood. A storyteller at heart, her music is rich yet immediate, deeply personal yet it connects and lingers with the audience. “It is always a joy to encounter for the first time a musician who sounds so fresh and original and whose music is such a delight.” (Chris May, AllAboutJazz)
Line-Up: Ilaria Capalbo (b, comp), Thomas Backman (as, cl), Fredrik Nordström (ts, bs), Andreas Hourdakis (g), Henrik Jäderberg (dr)

18-18.30: Andreas Polyzogopoulos Trio (GR)
In his liner note for Greek trumpeter Andreas Polyzogopoulos’s latest album “Petrichor”, the great Erik Truffaz writes: “Your music honours silence and creates dreams. Your way of playing the trumpet is so delicate that it praises this sometimes ungrateful instrument.” Polyzogopoulos, whose previous work with pianist Tania Giannouli received international acclaim, will be in Bremen with Greek bassist Grigoris Theodoridis and Tunisian pianist Wajdi Riahi. Their shared understanding of their musical origins from the Mediterranean lets them approach polyrhythm in a unique and modern way, with the use of electronic and acoustic sounds.
Line-Up: Wajdi Riahi (p), Grigoris Theodoridis (db), Andreas Polyzogopoulos (tpt, effects)

21-21.30: Louis Matute Large Ensemble (CH)
Euphoric and bittersweet, Louis Matute’s music is truly unique. Torn between Europe, where he was born, and Latin America, which he dreamed of, this child of Generation Z reopens the doors to his universe with “Small Variations From The Previous Day”. Praised by audiences and critics, this fourth album topped the 2024 TSF Jazz radio rankings. It’s a room with a view, where guitars welcome passing friends. It’s the aroma of coffee, snapshots of travels, a reflection in the mirror, small rivers, and big questions. All of this—life itself!—Louis Matute holds at his fingertips. His melodies, tinged with pop and saudade, go straight to the heart. His music has never been so rich or personal.
Line-Up: Louis Matute (g), Léon Phal (sax), Zacharie Ksyk (tpt), Andrew Audiger (p), Nathan Vandenbuclke (dr), Virgile Rosselet (db)

22.45-23.30: Shalosh (IL)
Drummer Matan Assayag and pianist Gadi Stern, friends from childhood in Jerusalem, formed Shalosh („three“ in Hebrew) in 2014. In 2016, they enlisted top Israeli bassist David Michaeli. In ten years, Shalosh has performed hundreds of shows on the world’s most prestigious stages. Shalosh achieves a synthesis out of jazz, rock, classical, electronica, African and Middle Eastern music. The three co-leaders balance the need to challenge themselves as musicians/artists, while opening the door for a wide audience. Members of the ACT label’s family of artists since 2018, their international profile continues to rise. “Great melodic ideas, strong ensemble playing and gorgeous sound. (Jazz Magazine)
Line-Up: Gadi Stern (p, key), David Michaeli (db), Matan Assayag (dr)